With February 14th coming up, we wanted to share our favorite Valentine’s Day picture books that you and your kids will love. This Valentine’s Day book list is a mix of books that teach about the original Saint Valentine, as well as heart-warming stories that remind us of God’s love for us and the many ways we can share that love with our friends and family.
We hope you enjoy this Valentine’s Day book list! If we’ve left off any of your favorites, be sure to let us know in the comments. We are always on the lookout for more wonderful picture books.
God Is Love by Amy Parker
In God is Love by Amy Parker, warm and rhyming verse reassures little hearts by introducing them to the awesome characteristics of an Almighty God. No matter the day, time, season, or year, God loves each and every one of us. A perfect gift for young children ages baby to 3 for Valentine’s Day.
Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda
For a more in-depth look into the origins of Valentine’s Day, this book will take you back to ancient Rome where a kind physician named Valentine takes an interest in a young blind girl. Her sight is restored through his deep faith, and the holiday of Valentine’s Day begins when he sends the little girl a secret message, which she receives after Valentine is executed as a martyr. The book is illustrated with colorful mosaics modeled after early Christian art.
Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
I love a good Patricia Polacco book, and this one is especially heart-warming as it’s based on the author’s own story. As a child, Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha’s dyslexia, Mr. Falker, who was determined to support her no matter what.
Snowy Valentine by David Petersen
In this heart-warming story, Jasper the bunny searches the snowy forest for a special Valentine’s gift for his wife, Lilly. He loves her so much he can’t just give her any old gift! After visiting the other neighborhood creatures to see what gifts they’re giving, Jasper tries to find his own special way to say “I love you.”
You Are Special by Max Lucado
This powerful allegory doesn’t reference Valentine’s Day specifically, but it is a beautiful picture of God’s love in action. Every day the small wooden people called Wemmicks judge each other, sticking either gold stars or gray dots on everyone they meet. The pretty ones with smooth wood and fine paint and those with special talents always get stars. Wemmicks like Punchinello who aren’t as talented, or have chipped paint, get ugly gray dots. Eli the woodcarver helps Punchinello understand how special he is. A touching reminder that no matter how the world evaluates us, God cherishes each of his children, just as they are.
I Love You Already by Jory John
Bear can’t wait to spend a pleasant day by himself. But his persistent next-door neighbor, Duck, wants to take a morning stroll . . . with Bear. He just wants Bear to like him already. . . This hilarious story of unrequited admiration that will leave children laughing at every page. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any story time!
Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joose
This classic board book is a sweet story of a child testing the limits of her independence and a mother’s reassurance that her love is unconditional and everlasting. Set in the Artic, it gives little ones a fascinating window into a different culture. The perfect snuggly bedtime read-aloud, my kids asked for this one again and again.
The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise
This adorable picture book illustrates how a little bit of heart goes a long way to making the world a better place. Hedgehog, Bunny, and Squirrel are best friends. One day, they each find a letter. But not just any letter… A love letter. As they search to find out who the mysterious letters are from, it sets off a chain reaction of kindness.
Loved: The Lord’s Prayer by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Based on the Lord’s Prayer and written in the lyrical style of the Jesus Storybook Bible, Loved reminds children that God will always love them with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love. The delightful illustrations by Jago complement this heart-warming story perfectly.
Cranberry Valentine by Wende Devlin
My kids adore the Cranberryport series with endearing favorites like Cranberry Thanksgiving and Cranberry Christmas! Each book is laugh-out-loud funny as it chronicles the gruff Mr. Whiskers and his misadventures. In Cranberry Valentine the story starts on a gray February day when Mr. Whiskers admits to Maggie and Grandmother that he has never, ever, received a valentine. Then two days later, a big lacy valentine arrives for him, full of cupids, lovebirds, hearts and flowers. “How sweet,” says Maggie. “Revolting,” says Mr. Whiskers.
The next day three more fancy valentines arrive for Mr. Whiskers, and he begins to get worried, especially when he hears that a lady in green has been asking for him all over town. As more and more valentines arrive, Mr. Whiskers is terrified! Should he hide or leave town? How Mr. Whiskers solves the mystery of his secret admirer and enjoys a Happy Valentine’s Day after all makes this another appealing story in the much loved Cranberryport series. Originally printed in 1986, this tale is back for all to enjoy along with Grandmother’s delicious recipe for Cranberry Upside-Down Cake!
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli
One wintry day, the postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to a lonely man named Mr. Hatch. “Somebody loves you,” the note says. “Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch sings as he dusts his living room. “Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch whistles as he does his errands in town. “But who,” Mr. Hatch wonders, “could that somebody be?” When Mr. Hatch discovers just who his secret admirer is, he gets the biggest surprise of his life!
What Valentine’s Day stories are the favorites in your family?
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